When is it time to quit your job?

Overview

How do you know when it is time to quit your job? Let Clara run through three biggest signs that may show you're ready to move on. She looks at the impact of stress and of outstaying your 'working welcome'.

How do you know when it is time to quit your job? This isn’t about those work situations which we all know aren’t right, poor pay or bullying bosses. It’s the slow, steady frustrations that lead to indifference and a job you really don’t enjoy. All the signs are there that you’re ready to leave, but the fear of change, self-doubt, or simply being too comfortable means you stay in a role, outstaying your working welcome.

Sometimes it takes a while to join the dots, by focusing on the day job, balancing work and a family, means opportunities pass you by that could create the work life balance and career path you really want. If any of these seem familiar, then it may be time for you to look for another job. You aren’t being heard. It doesn’t matter what you say or how you say it, you don’t feel listened to. This could be colleagues, managers or senior staff. Your issues are ignored or your ideas are stolen, you simply don’t feel valued. It’s making you ill. Stress is subtle but it creeps into all areas of your life, it may be subtle but it creeps into all areas of your life. It may be draining your energy, impacting your sleep, or leading to that anxiety fuelled dread. Work-life balance is just as much about your well-being as your time. Your ‘why’ doesn’t match.

The values of the company and your why doesn’t have to be an exact tie but if you find they’re moving in opposite directions, it’s time for you to move away. You just don’t care anymore. When you’re establishing a career, elements of a role do become routine and feel easy. However, if you lose the desire to do good work, or connect with your colleagues or clients this is a warning sign. There is no stretch. There are no opportunities to learn or expand your skills, or for career progression. No chance to learn through training or new roles, it is no surprise that challenge is linked to levels of motivation. Do any of these sound familiar? If they do don’t panic.

Before you quit these are the first three steps you should take.

Number one, talk before you walk. If you’re in career limbo or overwhelmed with work, then please talk to your manager or human resources department before you move on. In my experience, there are some things that can be changed with an action focused conversation, so comments, flexible working requests, or training maybe, giving you the opportunity you deserve and bringing the spark back to your business.

Number two, understand why you are leaving. Make sure you know why you are leaving to make sure the next opportunity meets what you need. Having this insight will help you find the next role and ensure you don’t duplicate and wrong moves. Do you want more flexibility, do you want more responsibility, a different culture or a different role? You can use this information in your job search and interviews.

Number three, make a plan. What will you do? By when? How will you do it? Who do you need to tell? And who can help you? Don’t forget work isn’t something to be endured but something to uplift you and make you feel valued and full of purpose. If it doesn’t, maybe it’s time to take control of your work-life balance for good.